BSA Methods – Association with Adults

Association with adults is one of the methods used in both Boy Scouts and Venturing. While these programs are youth-led, there are still adults present to mentor and help the youth leaders.

Every month, our troop PLC presents its plan for upcoming meetings and activities to the troop committee. One thing which is always asked after the presentation is “What do you need from the adults?” That way they know that while we are following their lead, the adults are willing to work with them to help them carry out the ideas they have presented. We want the youth leadership to lead, but we don’t want them to be overwhelmed. Leading a troop is a lot of responsibility for the 13 year old SPL and ASPL and a couple of younger patrol leaders.

Association with Adults

The methods of Scouting are the ways that Scouting’s aims of developing character, citizenship, and fitness in youth are achieved. One of the methods is “association with adults”.

Working with adults prepares Boy Scouts as they transition from boys to men. For Venturers, adults provide shadow leadership as the youth leadership form and execute their ideas. They learn how to conduct themselves and have positive role models. Scouts benefit from seeing that there are adults who are accessible to them and who care about them.

How does the Boy Scout program provide the opportunity for adult association:

By having Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters to serve as mentors to the youth leadership

Through the Scoutmaster Conference

Through Boards of Review

Through merit badge counselors

In Venturing, there are also opportunities to work with adults:

The Advisor and Associate Advisors provide shadow leadership for the youth leaders

Consultants work with youth members to provide their expertise in specific areas